The Hero’s Right Hand

Pillars of white with cobalt embellishments held a towering ceiling aloft. A mural of generations of air genasi looked down at everyone in the grand hall. Thick walls surrounded us on every side with small windows carved at high points. Moonlight shone directly on us as if to make a point we were under scrutiny. The Dicoris’s sat in a row of three raised thrones as they looked down at us. City guards stood along the walls while Rusty and the warforged from the gala stood on either side of my party.

I wasn’t sure if the gala continued without us but doubted it as Rusty was no longer there. Not to mention the failed assassination attempt. Getting here had been an ordeal as Rusty did his best to hide my would from any citizens we passed. Even though the pain was gone I felt stiff. It was like something was keeping my body from acting how I intended.

“Rusty, has it been a challenge?” King Nasim asked.

“No, sir,” Rusty replied.

“You may unbind him.”

Suddenly the pain in my back returned. The knife was long gone but it felt like another was being pulled out. I turned to see an orb of blood floating in Rusty’s hand before he snapped it out of existence.

He dryly said, “Eyes forward.”

I turned around, no longer feeling stiff..

“Are these the individuals you have chosen to accompany on your journey?” King Nasim asked. Though he didn’t turn his head to look at anyone specifically, we knew he addressed Aisha.

“Yes, your majesty,” she responded. 

“I presume Valefor is secure and you did not simply leave it behind for a celebration.”

“Correct, your majesty.”

Queen Lyra hummed and said, “I heard you arrived with no supplies and covered in blood. To know of the gala and attend you must have compatriots in Dawncaster.”

Aisha turned to Vofric for guidance. He cleared his throat and answered.

“Yes, your highness. I have made acquaintances during my past visits to the city,” he explained. “They kindly lent us room and board but know little of our plans here.”

Before the king or queen could speak, Prince Makani interjected. “Anyone can say they have connections or they possess Valefor. Many people even lie about being the chosen one. I’d like proof. If we were to send someone, could they retrieve the sword?”

Aisha hesitated then nodded. “Yes, the sword is retrievable.”

The warforged finally spoke. His voice was metallic and tone direct. “I can go, Master Makani. I am aware of who was housing them.”

Prince Makani looked to his father. The man made no allusion that he was thinking but everyone remained silent. After a few seconds he nodded.

The prince turned back to us and said, “With haste, Victor.”

His cane glowed as he vanished from sight. I had heard the name before and wanted to confirm my suspicions. Vofric’s familiarity meant he knew the man separately from Aisha. It was no wonder they conversed so easily.

I stammered without thinking. “Was-”
“Not now,” Aisha whispered.

“Speak.” Queen Lyra commanded sternly. “You may address anyone. Choose your words wisely.”

Aisha looked at me wide eyed and mouthed, “Wisely.”

“Was that Master Victor?” I asked. “You mentioned him wanting to bring you here years back.”

“Yes, but we failed to get an audience.”

Queen Lyra chimed in, “Victor may be part of our family but we need not indulge him to meet a student. An adventurer willing to travel here and get his blessing is far more deserving. Especially if they expect us to believe they are the chosen one.”

Aisha’s eye twitched but she remained composed. This wasn’t how she wanted to get an audience. Scrutiny like this wasn’t deserved and being looked down on always bothered her. Nevertheless, Aisha nodded as if the queen hadn’t accused her of being a fraud.

Metal footsteps echoed behind us. I was confused since Victor could teleport back in. The large doors of the entrance opened to reveal the warforged with Valefor’s sheath in hand. The reason he’d walked back was because Albert followed him.

“The Greycastle’s boy,” King Nasim said.

Albert stood by our group and bowed. “Apologies. I wanted to make sure Sir Victor wasn’t lying about his identity and he offered to let me follow him as proof.”

“Understandable. Victor, draw the sword,” King Nasim instructed.
The warforged made a show of placing down his cane before holding up the sheath. Fingers slowly curled around Valefor’s hilt but couldn’t find a comfortable grip. Victor grunted as he tried to draw the sword. Throwing his head back, he dramatically sighed and he gave up. A smile briefly crossed his face but by the time he looked back at the king it was gone.

“The sheath is carved of the very stone that kept Valefor sealed for centuries,” Victor said. “It can only be drawn by the chosen one.”

King Nasim grunted. “Prove your identity.”

Aisha nodded and retrieved the sheath. With it held in front of her, she easily drew the sword. It was impossible to grow accustomed to its silver glow. It triggered Aisha’s prosthetic eye to shine purple. An aura of brilliance radiated from her until she sheathed the weapon. I never imagined I’d see her wielding the sword while dressed for high society. Unfortunate that it only happened while we were being questioned under suspicion of attacking the royal family.

“Good,” King Nasim said. “Why did you approach my family at the gala? I’d like to believe that you aren’t attempting to assassinate us. However, it is rather common for an adventurer to stray from the path of heroism for wealth.”

“No, your majesty. We truly wanted an audience with you,” Aisha explained. “There is little information regarding the first Hero. Specifically regarding what he fought against. We wish to learn it in order to progress on our journey.”

King Nasim shut his eyes and nodded. “I see. You are unsure of your ultimate goal. That is understandable.”

“What have you done in the meantime? Simply wandered about?” Queen Lyra asked.

Aisha looked at me and gestured towards the royals. It took me a few seconds to figure out why. Since finding her in Balur, I’d repeatedly listed the chosen one’s heroic deeds. Obviously Aisha was aware of them but I was experienced at speaking about them.

“N-no. Your majesty!” I stuttered awkwardly. The wound was no longer bothering me but I felt overwhelmed. “We have c-crossed towns… and seas! We helped those who needed us. We’ve defeated any foes that threatened the peace of innocents.”

The queen made a face that told me she approved. “According to rumors you only began your journey recently. It seems you’ve gathered a sizable group in that time.”

“And you’ve gotten connections even outside of your small corner of the world,” Prince Makani added. He stared at Albert; a boy his age standing alongside the chosen one.

Albert looked at me and furrowed his brow. I shrugged then turned to Vofric. He sighed and nodded. It seemed he was the only one ready to speak with royals. Sariel remained straight faced and silent. I barely stammered through what I needed to say. Though Aisha looked calm I could see distress in her eyes. She hid it well enough for others not to notice.

Albert straightened himself out and said, “My family owes a debt to a member of the hero’s party. It would be wrong to deny them our assistance.”

King Nasim was about to respond but was stopped by the prince.

He sat up and asked, “What about once the debt is repaid? Is your connection only temporary?”

“I don’t see why it should be. One can never have too many friends,” Albert said with a smile.

Prince Makani scoffed and leaned back. The king and queen shared a quick glance before turning their attention back to us. Their distant gaze became focused, revealing silver eyes that were once shrouded in fog. Clearly we’d made our case well enough for them to care but I couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“The Greycastles are a trusted pillar of this great city. Victor has been with our family longer than some of you have lived,” King Nasim said. “With their affirmations I am willing to provide you with a quest. If you are able to complete it, we will share the secrets of Kharim’s journey.” He stared at the mural on the ceiling in contemplation. After a long breath he looked back at us and continued, “There are many secrets hidden in Dawncaster. Unfortunately some are outside our knowledge. The goal of the mastermind behind tonight’s assassination attempt is one such secret. I would like you to uncover their identity and motive.”

“We are not so cruel as to have you work with the small network you possess,” Queen Lyra explained. Holding her hand towards her son, she said, “My husband and I will be preoccupied once again come morning. Thus, Makani and Victor will work with you if the Dicoris family is needed. If matters escalate he can reach us immediately.”

Prince Makani shook his head and said, “Father, Mother, I will do my duty but they require a starting point. I’m sure they can blindly stumble on the right path but danger is still ever present. If they take too much time we are the ones who suffer. There must be something we can tell them.”

“I can help with that,” Rusty exclaimed. “My subordinates have been gathering intel from the assassins we captured. I can provide it if his majesty approves.”

“I have no qualms,” King Nasim said. “That is, if the chosen one will accept this quest.”

Aisha tilted her head in confusion. “Are you saying you would simply let us walk away if we refused?”

“Yes. The ‘chosen one’ is an unearned title. However, ‘hero’ is bestowed upon an individual through their deeds. By refusing this quest and leaving you will tell all of Dawncaster what kind of adventurer you are. Even if you are able to acquire the information through other means, it is unlikely you will ever be held in the same regard,” King Nasim explained.

A pained look flashed across Aisha’s face. I’m sure the others saw it. However, only our party knew what being a Hero meant to Aisha. But the royal family knew enough to offer a rare reward. Another source of information regarding the first Hero would be rare if not completely nonexistent. The quest wasn’t just our best option; it was the only option. With all the help we’d be getting it wouldn’t be impossible. Though it would take time and keep us from our journey.

“It’s a way forward,” Aisha said as she recovered. “A clean kill is rarely the only goal of an assassination. We will uncover the motives putting your lives at risk.”

Vofric smiled in approval. Sariel nodded. By now Avant had fallen asleep at our feet or I’m sure he would’ve chirped. I flashed a thumbs up to the Hero.

“Good. You, boy,” King Nasim said and faced Albert. “Until their quest is complete your family is approved to assist them by any means necessary. Don’t abuse your freedom.”

Albert was taken aback and stuttered out a meek, “Okay. Sir. Your Majesty.”

The royal family rose from their seats and wind billowed through the hall.

“You may go,” the king said. “Rusty, send them on their way. Report to us at a later time.”

Rusty put his fists together and bowed before turning towards the exit.

“Follow me.”

I lifted Avant and joined my party and Albert behind the captain. We were a few steps out of the door and he let out a sigh. It was like he’d been held up by the Dicoris’s wind. The weight of working a long day slumped his shoulders. Dark rings around his eyes became more prominent.

He turned to me and said, “I’m sorry for stabbing you in the back. Literally. Had to be safe and you seemed like a threat.”

The wound stung at the mention of it. I was aggravated but tried to think clearly. If adventurers suddenly showed up in Neves and then tried to talk to Elder Niko, we would be on high alert. Not to mention, the first time Rusty saw us we were bloodsoaked. I couldn’t forgive him easily but wanted to acknowledge him.

“It happens,” I replied. A statement Aisha had made to me hundreds of times.

“What did you learn from the assassins?” Aisha asked.

Rusty avoided the question. “We can meet tomorrow morning and discuss it.”

He didn’t know the Hero’s drive. Now that we had a clear goal she was ready to face anything. Either we got information from him today or we’d get it ourselves later.

“What. Did. You. Learn?” Aisha asked deliberately.

Sariel scoffed. “I assume it isn’t very much. Thus he is stalling for more time.”

Rusty groaned. “I’d appreciate you not taking your frustrations out on me, alright? I’m just doing my job. If I got a chance to ask questions, I’d have more answers for you.”

“Forgive my friends. It’s been a long night,” Vofric said. “However, you should tell us what you know. It is the best option.”

The guard captain sighed heavily. Planning and hosting a party was already an unnecessary load. With the misunderstandings and a late night interrogation he was crumbling. I’d dealt with similar situations as a guard. Though I couldn’t imagine how much worse it was for a captain.

“The assassins are hired help,” he explained. “No connection to whoever is targeting the Dicoris’s. One received the invitation and instructions during some meetup. Then she got an ally and went to work.”

“What was the reward?” Aisha asked.

“No clue. Regardless of success or failure they were supposed to go to another meetup.”

Sariel grunted. “If failure wasn’t an issue, it means the attempt was meant as a message. When and where is the follow up?”

“Tomorrow, Ramhorn district. That’s all I’ve got so far,” Rusty sighed. “I was planning to narrow it down before informing you. Not to mention I’ve got to tell the public what we know.”

“Don’t,” Aisha instructed. “Rumors will spread regardless since guests saw what happened. The moment you inform them of the assassin’s capture and that they revealed information, their employer will be more cautious. Simply assuage the public’s fear but keep everything else secret.”

“Our lack of knowledge can only be overcome by making sure our enemies are in a similar predicament,” Vofric said.

Rusty looked worried and asked, “Are you sure?”

Aisha nodded and patted Rusty’s back. “This is our quest. Let us handle it our way. We’ll let you know what we find.”

With that she left, my party and Albert in tow. The streets were quieter at night but citizens still went about their business. Though I’d never seen them myself, there were many nocturnal residents in large cities. They were as astonished to see a group of diurnal adventurers as we were to be awake this late. My head felt hazy from blood loss and exhaustion. Vofric must have noticed because he lightly patted my back. A familiar uncomfortable feeling made me aware of his healing magic.

“Apologies, it slipped my mind,” he said groggily.

I simply shook my head.

“What’s the plan?” Albert asked. He was surprisingly energetic.

“Tomorrow,” Aisha answered.

Albert whined. “But we’ve got fresh information we can follow!”

“Tired, Albert.” Aisha responded sternly. “Tomorrow.”